best flashlight for a sailor?

[seriousam]

Hello, guys. I'm new to this forum.
Let me introduce my self. I'm a marine engineer and I spend at least 6months a year on commercial vessels.
I Joined this forum because I need you to help me pick a decent flashlight for my job. Since I have a hard time finding one...all I could find were chinese no brand flashlights(may be good but I don't know)...

So I need a flash light for my job, for 2 reasons.
1. First to communicate-make signals to my colleagues in the machineroom (can't talk to each other due to the loud noise)(frequent - everyday use)
2. For my own safety in case the ship sinks and we have to abandon it. For SOS signal. (I hope it never happens, but if it happens I want to be sure that the flashlight will work 1000%)

For the reasons I mentioned earlier I need:
a. a Diving (not just waterproof or ipx8) flashlight that will work even if it remains(not powered on) in water for hours.
b. quite small (10-15cm) because I must carry it with me 24/7, even when sleeping.
c. I want it to have SOS mode

Some other things (you can suggest me different if you believe is better)
battery : 18650
Led : cree xml
budget: up to €74 (100$)
material: not plastic(I'm afraid it will break)
distance,runtime and Lumens ( I don't have something in mind...the best brightness/runtime ration)

Thank you in advance

 

[mcnair55]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

Hello, guys. I'm new to this forum.
Let me introduce my self. I'm a marine engineer and I spend at least 6months a year on commercial vessels.
I Joined this forum because I need you to help me pick a decent flashlight for my job. Since I have a hard time finding one...all I could find were chinese no brand flashlights(may be good but I don't know)...

So I need a flash light for my job, for 2 reasons.
1. First to communicate-make signals to my colleagues in the machineroom (can't talk to each other due to the loud noise)(frequent - everyday use)
2. For my own safety in case the ship sinks and we have to abandon it. For SOS signal. (I hope it never happens, but if it happens I want to be sure that the flashlight will work 1000%)

For the reasons I mentioned earlier I need:
a. a Diving (not just waterproof or ipx8) flashlight that will work even if it remains(not powered on) in water for hours.
b. quite small (10-15cm) because I must carry it with me 24/7, even when sleeping.
c. I want it to have SOS mode

Some other things (you can suggest me different if you believe is better)
battery : 18650
Led : cree xml
budget: up to €74 (100$)
material: not plastic(I'm afraid it will break)
distance,runtime and Lumens ( I don't have something in mind...the best brightness/runtime ration)

Thank you in advance

I suggest you visit or surf a personal safety company store as they sell some good led lights made for your type of environment.Do not be put off by plastic as these special lights are as tough as old boots.I would look at the Wolf Atex range to start with.

Having said the above there are plenty of lights out there,for dependable service have a good look at the Fenix range,plenty will suit you but your major problem could be the water immersion for hours.

 

[seriousam]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

Thank you for your reply.
I have checked Fenix but I think they are just ipx8. Not good for my case.
the Wolf m-60 seems fine...I just don't like it's batteries..I don't think I will ever find decent LR1 rechargable.

Any other suggestions anyone?

 

[dss_777]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

Not so sure it's a good idea to replace purpose-built safety equipment with a daily work light. You risk getting the worst of both worlds.

I'd separate the two, and get a good small marine strobe to wear around your neck, and a good rechargeable 18650-based worklight. I'd imagine that the odds of going down are about the direct inverse of the odds of using your light for work tasks.

Sorry, I have no idea who makes good diving lights.

 

[seriousam]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

Guys I think I must clear this out.
We have safety light on board when we have to use it in hazardous areas with gases.
What I want is a personal, 24/7, portable, really waterproof flashlight.
I also don't know about diving/waterproof lights that's why I came here, hoping someone would know :P

 

[AnthonyMcEwen2014]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

Look at diveing torches, like those scuba divers use, they should be plenty bright. And fully waterproof, however because there so specialist I have no idea what price tags they will come I'm at?

I know Exposure make very good bike lights and now also make marine lights, however they use inbuilt lithiuam so no user replaceable batter I'm afraid.

http://www.use1.com/exposure-marine/marine-lights

You are looking for marine / diving lights. Good luck!

Also given your line of work I'd advise you look for a light that can float, would be a good feature, or add a device to it that can float it for you, dontn wsnt to loose $100 just because you have a butter finger moment.

 

[dss_777]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

I see. Check Intova.net and Tusa.com for dive lights.

 

[gravelmonkey]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

I've never 'got' SOS modes. For work lights, I would have thought 'blinky modes' just get in the way (which, I think is why dedicated dive lights with SOS mode are relatively rare). If you've got a switch that allows for momentary activation, you can tap it out and/or flash rapidly to get attention. If you're in the water, any kind of light is going to be a "rescue me" signal.

Malkoff MD2 with high/low switch is going to be pretty indestructible. Keep the O-rings greased and it'll stay waterproof. No dedicated lanyard mount. ~$110.

The Underwater Kinetics Super Q rechargeable takes Li-ion cells which look like they're 18650 sized, but I'm not 100% certain. Dive rated, comes with charger. A quick Google search suggests RRP is c.$130.

Thirdly (and probably closest to what you're actually asking for!) you could have a look at the Xtar D06. Variable brightness magnetic switch. Rated to 100m ~$79 on XTAR's USA distributor website.

 

[seriousam]

Re: best flashlight for a salor?

thank you guys for your replies. Now I know were to look for. I'm checking your suggestions right away.